MPOX TRACKER

Uganda faces a new challenge in its fight against mpox as a case has been confirmed in Nakasongola jail in central Uganda. This development raises significant concerns about the potential spread of the disease in the country's overcrowded prison system.

The infected prisoner, being held on murder charges, has been isolated and is receiving treatment. Frank Baine, a spokesperson for the Uganda Prison Service, stated, "We suspect he came in with it, but that's being investigated." The prison plans to rely on systems and protocols established during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat the spread of mpox.

This case comes amid a larger regional outbreak that prompted the World Health Organization to declare mpox a global public health emergency in August. The outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has spread to neighboring countries including Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Uganda's mpox caseload has risen to 41, according to recent figures. In response, the country has secured 2,000 doses of mpox vaccines from Africa CDC to help combat the outbreak. However, it remains unclear if vaccinations have begun.

Mpox, which can spread through close contact, typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body. While usually mild, it can be fatal in rare cases. The potential for rapid spread in a prison environment is a major concern for health authorities.

Adding to Uganda's health challenges, the country is also on high alert for possible cross-border transmission of the highly infectious Marburg virus from an outbreak in neighboring Rwanda.

As the situation develops, Uganda's Health Ministry spokesperson, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, has promised to provide updates on the outbreak. Meanwhile, neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo has already launched its first mpox vaccination campaign.

This situation underscores the complex health challenges facing the region and the importance of rapid response and cross-border cooperation in managing infectious disease outbreaks.